“We just don’t need deacons. We need holy deacons. A big part of the formation is helping them to become disciples and help them in their prayer and in their relationship with the Lord.”
From OSV News:
After completing the two-year aspirancy stage of the Diocese of Arlington’s Hispanic Permanent Diaconate Program, the first group formally presented themselves as candidates ready to continue their formation process, which is expected to culminate in four years with their ordination as deacons.
These six men were recognized in a joyful Mass for the Admission to Candidacy for Holy Orders, celebrated by Bishop Michael F. Burbidge of Arlington Feb. 1. The Mass at St. Thomas More Cathedral was attended by hundreds of parishioners, including family and friends of the candidates for the permanent diaconate.
“Know of my prayerful support and confidence in you. I trust your sincerity and your intentions as you come forward today and resolve to form your mind and heart for faithful service to the Lord and his Church,” said the homily written by Bishop Burbidge, which was read in Spanish by Father Joel D. Jaffe, who leads the diocese’s Hispanic diaconate program.
“May God who has begun this good work in you, bring it to fulfillment,” wrote Bishop Burbidge.
During Mass, the six candidates affirmed before the bishop their intention to complete their formation to be made “ready to undertake ministry in the Church” as permanent deacons in due course.
Father Jaffe, who also serves as pastor of Cristo Redentor Church in Sterling, Virginia, told OSV News that this program was designed to respond to the growth of the Spanish-speaking community in Arlington.
Members of this program follow a curriculum designed for Hispanic men, with courses in Spanish and the support of bilingual priests who assist in their formation.
“It is a joy for me to see six men listening to God’s call to serve at another level and to sacrifice a lot for the community, for the Church and for the mission of our diocese. I am very happy about that,” Father Jaffe said.
